The Space Between Us: This year's most life-affirming, awe-inspiring read (The Enceladons Trilogy Book 1)

I do not read sci-fi. Just putting it out . It’s not my preferred genre and whilst I have a very scientific mind, it’s just not a genre I’ve ever been engaged by. If there was one author I would be willing to make an exception for, then it is Doug Johnstone. I love his writing style and I know that he can be trusted to deliver a book which goes far beyond what the blurb may suggest.This is absolutely the case with The Space Between Us which, whilst having it’s roots – or perhaps tentacles – in science-fiction, goes far beyond a simple first contact story with a being from another planet, into a story which is an exquisite look at human nature, a need to find our place in life, and the trials and harsh tribulations we endure on our journey. Yes, Sandy – the alien life form in question – is an intrinsic part of this story, the reason that binds three very different people in one united quest, but they are not all this story is about. They are a conduit, a channel through which our focus and attention flies while we contemplate the much bigger picture. Loss, loneliness, and domestic violence all feature and inform the story combining to create a novel which I didn’t want to end.The story begins as our three main protagonists face very different twists in their fate. Lennox is a teenager living in care, faced with the wrath of some local bullies. Heavily pregnant Eva is trying to find a way to escape an abusive marriage. Heather is deep in grief, mourning the loss of her daughter and her own failing health. All of them have one thing in common – they are all outside when a mysterious light passes over Edinburgh, one which causes people to black out and to suffer from debilitating, if not fatal, strokes. The three make a miraculous recovery, and, drawn together by their experience, set out to find out just why they thrived where others did not. This brings them face to tentacle with ‘Sandy’, an octopus style creature which has washed up on a nearby shore.For me, the wonderful characters that Doug Johnstone has developed are what really drew me into the story. I could really feel Lennox’s defiance and his need to feel like he belongs. The bond he formed with Sandy, that closeness that surpasses anything that Ava or Heather feel, really enthralled me. The communication between them, the understanding, is reminiscent of the bond between a certain short legged, waddling alien with an obscenely long finger from a well loved 80’s movie, and his new friend Ell-ee-ot, but there is so much more to Sandy, a real cognisance which helps to develop our understanding of what is happening. It is a beautiful bond.As for Ava, her journey is as much emotional as it is a literal. Breaking free from a marriage marred by coercive control and a constant threat of violence, and reconnecting with family she though lost is truly moving, portrayed in a way which creates as much anger as it does sympathy. As for Heather, she created a mixture of emotions. At times she seems strong and fully in control, and yet the sense of loss emanates from her and her vulnerability and sadness is always there, just below the surface. Doug Johnstone is a master at manipulating our emotions and he does a brilliant job here. I felt myself willing them to succeed, not only in their quest to help Sandy, but in their personal journey. And the literal journey is fraught with danger, as they are persued not only by Ava’s husband but by people who want to take Sandy for their own fortunes.Sandy is an amazingly well imagined creature. I was actually really drawn to them, so much so I really think we need a line in Sandy plushies to accompany the book. But their journey is far more than just a bid to return home, They too are looking for a place to belong, a safe haven from violence which is very reminiscent of scenes far less galactic and much closer to home. There is a socio-political statement wrapped up in this book, subtle but effective. Its about displacement through invasion, the search for safe haven and, more importantly, finding a way to communicate even when the barriers are far more substantial than the lack of a Sandy-Scottish Duolingo course.I wish I could adequately convey how much I loved this book. I know I’ve made a horlicks of it so far. But if you are looking for beautifully lyrical writing, a heartwarming, fast paced, often tense look at friendships that surpass all boundaries, an exploration of the very basic need for connection and a place to belong, then this is the book for you. As I said before, I don’t read Sci-Fi, but I wouldn’t hesitate for one minute to recommend this book. It’s divine.

The Space Between Us is the story of three strangers and the alien encounter that brings them together.Following a meteor strike, Ava, Heather and Lennox wake up in hospital having suffered major strokes from which they have all miraculously recovered overnight. One thing leads to another and the unlikely trio end up joining forces to save the octopus-like alien that washed up on a nearby beach on the same night.You definitely need to suspend disbelief to enjoy this book, and not just because of the interstellar telepathic octopus. The three protagonists are a heavily pregnant woman, a suicidal older woman and a teenager with no family. They go on the run with the octopus and somehow manage to stay ahead of both the police and the shadowy men in black following them.It's a real page turner, with plenty of action driving things along, so it isn't a surprise to learn the author normally writes thrillers. The characters are mostly likeable, although the bad guys are somewhat two-dimensional. Also, I didn't particularly like the ending, but I've since discovered that it is the first part of a trilogy so it makes a lot more sense now.It's a light easy read and if the plot is a bit daft in places it more than makes up for it by being a whole lot of fun.

but not really my taste to be honest. Maybe in a while I`ll try again and give the book a fair try. Some nice ideas.. But soo many books to read.. I`ll save this one for later.

I’m a big fan of Doug Johnstone’s writing, so when I heard that he was publishing a science fiction novel, I was very excited. There have been hints of Doug’s interest in space in his previous books, particularly in the Skelf series, and it’s a topic that I’ve always found fascinating. His latest book is The Space Between Us and it is an exciting, rollercoaster of a read that has made me desperate for the sequel.The novel begins with a mysterious set of lights seen in the skies above Edinburgh, which may be the cause of three people, who don’t know each other, having strokes, and then miraculously recovering the next day, which baffles doctors. The sightings of the lights and the strokes, attracts media attention, especially when an alien-like octopus creature is found. The individuals are Lennox, Ava and Heather, and they soon find that they each have a special connection to the creature, they name Sandy. There is also Ewan, a journalist, who is desperate to get a good story, but he too finds himself caught up in Sandy’s fate. Their connection to Sandy makes them drop everything that is going on their lives right now, and fight to help the creature.The four characters each go on an emotional journey in this novel. Ava is in a particularly perilous situation. She is pregnant and fleeing from her abusive husband, Michael, who always isn’t far behind them. Heather is suffering from cancer and she knows her time on this earth is near. Lennox is a teenager living in care. There is a particularly heart wrenching scene when we see him being targeted by bullies. It was fascinating watching them bond over the course of this novel. Even though they had never met before, it felt as though they had known each other for a long time. It does feel as though they become a family, united with one purpose. Doug Johnstone writes these characters really well, and I felt as though I was stepping into their lives as I was reading the book. They are crucial to this book, and I could see that this was far more than a typical Hollywood first-contact type story.Of course, I wanted to learn about where Sandy had come from and what his reasons were for travelling to Earth. As he forms a bond with the group, he shares his thoughts with them, and they are able to understand him. As they head out on their journey to try and get Sandy to safety, and possibly to be reunited with others of his kind, they learn about where he has come from and why he has come to Earth. As I learned these details, this is what made me really excited to read book two.The tension really picks up with the group being closely followed behind by the police as well as Heather’s husband. I was rooting for them all the way. The Space Between Us is brilliant, and unlike anything else I have read recently. I highly recommend it.

This is a book about connection -- both between humans and between a few of the humans and the aliens. It's always good when characters grow, learn, and evolve, and this story had a lot of that.This story also contains a great adventure, and introduces a common enemy used to rally the story around the heroes.Spoiler alert:The only plot element I had trouble with was the cruelty of the commander on the American military base. And why was there a new American base in Scotland, with carte blanche to behave badly?Why didn't the UK government and agencies deal with it themselves?

Finished the book 2 days ago and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I was so happy to hear there’s a Book 2 out, and started it tonight.The author did a great job of creating characters I believed in and cared about. I loved the aliens and their story as well. I wouldn’t change a thing about this book. Mystery and suspense, relationships, world building, near science fiction but not high tech, developed and interesting (likable!) characters, serious issues but not depressing or horrifying, and a fast read. (A little foul language didn’t bother me, it’s not significant IMHO.) I loved this book.

I read this book in 2 days. I was originally doubtful about the plot as I've never been much of a sci-fi reader but this is different. If you lived ' The shape of water's, you will love this. A dampening report on how we've lost our humanity & what connects us to each other but also a message of hope.

Oh this was a lovely surprise! So glad I got this book. SF set in the present. Highly recommend this feel good book and audiobook.

As soon as I met Sandy I knew what he was. A little short on character development, A little too many changes of naration, and way short on science. But a fun read of what could happen any day now. Maybe more aimed at the young reader but I liked it. I'll stick with my four.